. >> according to government run news outlets, last week the iranian government launched a live monkey into launched a live monkey into space. there's been no independent confirmati confirmation which means it probably didn't happen. they released a photo, this is the alleged iranian space monkey. based on the photo, i'm guessing he didn't volunteer for the mission. and i'd like to see them hook the iranian space monkey with the ikea sweater monkey. wouldn't they make a great couple. they said he flew into space and came back alive and well and even threw him a parade when he got back. there's the space monkey. adorable when he banks his little sim balls together. very cute. >> good morning from los angeles, tuesday, january 29th. with us on set from new york, willie geist, mike barnicle, senior political editor and white house correspondent for the "huffington post," sam stein, former treasury official and "morning joe" economic analyst, steve rattner and in washington, washington anchor for bbc world news america, katty kay. so glad to have you with us this morning. willie geist, an